New court documentation has revealed that five British men were convicted in Morocco in connection with a legal case that resulted in the imprisonment of Leon Baptiste, a UK Athletics coach and 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist. The group includes two-time Commonwealth silver medallist hurdler Will Sharman, his brother and former bobsleigh athlete Richard Sharman, former bobsleigh athlete Lamin Deen, and two acquaintances, Ashley O’Leary Jones and David Tuck.
The legal proceedings stem from a police raid on a villa in Tamensourt, near Marrakech. Authorities acted after a 16-year-old girl alleged she had been brought to the property, denied payment for promised services, and subjected to physical and psychological harm. Baptiste, 41, was subsequently convicted of the sexual assault of a minor and sentenced to 10 months in prison, a term later reduced to eight months on appeal. He is currently serving his sentence at Al-Oudaya prison and has resigned from his coaching role.
In June, the five British men were convicted of participating in the enticement of a minor. Each received a four-month suspended prison sentence and a fine of 500 dirhams, approximately £40. While they were acquitted of a separate charge regarding the incitement of a minor to engage in prostitution, the court found them guilty of assisting Baptiste in deceiving the victim. The Morocco presidency of the public ministry, which oversees the country’s prosecutions, confirmed that the court determined the defendants were seated at the same table as the minor and facilitated the situation.
Through their legal representatives, the five men stated they were unaware of their convictions until contacted by the media. They maintain they were never arrested during their time in Morocco and believed they had settled an administrative matter with a £40 payment before departing the country. A spokesperson for the group stated: “William, Richard, Lamin, David and Ashley are shocked and distressed by the circumstances in which they have unexpectedly found themselves. At the time, they understood that they had paid an administrative fine equivalent to approximately £40 and that the matter had concluded.”
The group claims they visited the Montecristo nightclub in Marrakech based on a driver’s recommendation and had no reason to suspect improper activity. They further assert they were unaware of the girl’s age, and some members of the group do not recall seeing her at the venue. They emphasized that they were not present in court for any hearings, the proceedings were not conducted in English, and the legal process was not explained to them. The spokesperson added that the men reject any suggestion of knowingly engaging in unlawful conduct.
The Montecristo nightclub, which markets itself as a destination for hedonists, issued a statement in May affirming its commitment to its values and cooperation with authorities. Beyond the British group, other individuals were convicted in the same case, including the villa’s housekeeper, two security guards, a waiter at the nightclub, the club’s manager, and the owner of the villa rental agency. These individuals received various suspended sentences and fines.
The Moroccan court awarded the victim civil compensation totaling 60,000 dirhams, or approximately £4,784, to be paid jointly by those convicted. The court documents noted that the victim suffered significant psychological trauma and physical injury. While the men have since left Morocco, their convictions and sentences were upheld following an appeal hearing.
Background information on the individuals involved shows varied professional histories. Records indicate O’Leary Jones is a director of a company managing five properties, while Tuck is a military veteran with experience in coaching women’s and children’s sports. When approached for comment regarding the convictions and potential safeguarding concerns, the UK Home Office, Foreign Office, and UK Athletics did not provide specific responses.
The case highlights broader issues regarding the sex industry in the region. In 2016, UNAIDS estimated that approximately 75,000 sex workers were operating in Morocco, and the children’s rights organization Humanium has described sex tourism as a thriving industry within the country. The report also notes that three British former athletes were convicted in Morocco as part of an investigation into the sexual assault of a minor by a sprinting coach, Sport can reveal. The report also notes that court rulings seen by Sport shed more light on other convictions relating to the same case. The report also notes that they left Morocco believing they had complied with all requirements placed upon them. The report also notes that the villa they were staying in was vast and the interaction between the men and Mr Baptiste while inside the villa was limited. The report also notes that the spokesperson continued: “What has unfolded over recent months has been a distressing and incoherent saga. The report also notes that when that is not how they understood it, they did not properly understand the proceedings and were completely shocked on being told that they were the subject of a criminal conviction. The report also notes that companies House records and a biography on one of O’Leary Jones’ social media profiles show he is a director of a company operating five children’s care homes in Greater Manchester. The report also notes that while a CV posted online lists experience coaching women’s and children’s football clubs including at Stoke City, Apollon Limassol in Cyprus, and Orlando Pride in the USA, tuck’s social media biography indicates he is a military veteran.
